Alberta Liberal Leader David Khan and MLA Dr. David Swann call for protection of Albertans’ rights to medically assisted dying

November 2, 2018

Alberta Liberal Leader David Khan and MLA Dr. David Swann are calling on the NDP Health Minister to enforce a patient’s right to medically assisted dying at Alberta’s religious-based health facilities.

Covenant Health facilities are refusing to allow medically assisted deaths on their premises, according to media reports. They are also blocking patients from receiving medical assessments. They will not even allow them to fill out paperwork at their facilities. This is shameful. This is also illegal.

Swann stated, “These patients have a constitutionally-guaranteed right to humane medically assisted death.

“It is unreasonable to force vulnerable and very ill Albertans to undergo physician assessments at other facilities. It is shocking that they are being forced to undergo those assessments or fill out forms on the sidewalk and at bus stops. Alberta Liberals insist this practice end immediately.””

Khan stated, “Patients have rights. Why is this NDP Government not defending them? These are public facilities using public funding. They must not be allowed to circumvent the law because of their ties to the Catholic Church. The NDP Health Minister must protect patients’ rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.”

Alberta Liberals are calling for the law to be enforced. We stand with these vulnerable Albertans. They deserve to die with dignity.